Did you know that beneath Wieliczka there is an underground chapel with a salt chandelier, while on Kraków’s surface you can spend a day full of experiments and fun in the Garden of Experiments? Combining these two attractions creates a contrast - the silence and mystery of the underground on one hand and interactive science and technology on the other. It’s an ideal summer plan for families, school groups and anyone who wants to see more than the standard city monuments. Guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz recommends such combinations as a way to tour with class - interesting, comfortable and unhurried.
This article contains a practical plan, tips on avoiding common mistakes, recommendations for coffee and lunch stops and useful information for families with children and visitors with limited mobility. Everything is written in a friendly tone so you can plan a one- or two-day itinerary full of attractions. (Contact details for the guide are visible on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com).
If you only have one day: start early in Wieliczka - the Tourist Route of the Salt Mine (entrance via the Daniłowicz shaft), the tour usually takes 2-3 hours. After returning to the surface have lunch near the mine (for example Bistro Posolone) and go back to Kraków for an afternoon visit to the Museum of Engineering and Technology (Zajezdnia, Garden of Experiments).
If you split the trip into two days: dedicate the first day to Wieliczka - touring and the brine graduation tower for relaxation. Leave the second day for MIT - workshops, the planetarium and the Garden of Experiments, which gives more time for children’s activities and a relaxed pace.
When planning the route consider travel time (about 20-30 minutes by train or car from central Kraków to Wieliczka) and allow time for breaks, photos and possible lines at the ticket offices.
The Tourist Route of the Salt Mine is a classic: salt corridors, chambers, brine lakes and, above all, St. Kinga’s Chapel - the largest and most impressive underground chapel carved from salt. Its salt sculptures and the chandelier make a huge impression.
Along the route you will also see former timbering constructions, miners’ sculptures and fragments of mining equipment. It’s worth noticing the different shades of salt and the salt deposits, which for geology enthusiasts are as fascinating as the history of mining.
Don’t miss the brine graduation tower on the surface - a good place to relax after the tour, especially recommended for people with respiratory problems and families with small children.
Temperature underground is usually around 16–18°C, so even in summer it’s worth bringing a light sweater. The route involves stairs - be prepared for several hundred steps and about 2–3 hours of walking in the lower parts of the mine.
It’s best to book tickets in advance, especially during the summer season. If you come by car check available parking around the mine and plan time to walk to the shaft. If you travel with children, ask about special routes or variants adapted to younger visitors.
Wieliczka limits the number of visitors per group, so it’s worth coming to the earliest morning tours or booking a time outside peak hours. There are toilets and small snack points along the route and souvenir shops.
MIT is made up of several locations across the city that together offer an interesting program: Zajezdnia at Św. Wawrzyńca 15 (the permanent exhibition “City. Tech-sensitivity”), the Garden of Experiments named after Stanisław Lem at al. Pokoju 68, and Hangar Czyżyny. Each place has a different character - from interactive exhibits to outdoor experiment spaces.
The Garden of Experiments features over a hundred stations for simple physics experiments, planetarium screenings and a play area with blocks; it’s an excellent place for families with children. At Zajezdnia you’ll find permanent exhibitions showing the development of technology and its impact on city life - a good venue for themed guided tours.
The museum runs special educational programs and workshops for children during the holidays - check the schedule before your visit to plan activities suited to your group’s age.
Main MIT address: Świętego Wawrzyńca 15, Kraków. Check reservations and opening hours before your visit, especially if you plan workshops or group guided tours.
The Garden of Experiments is partly outdoors - on a sunny day you may spend more time there than in the indoor exhibitions, so bring a hat and water. Many stations are set up for self-guided experiments, which makes it great fun for curious hands and minds.
If you travel with a school group or a larger family, it’s a good idea to reserve a guided tour with the museum in advance - it gives structure and helps make the most of your time.
Morning option in Wieliczka: early entry to the Tourist Route (2–3 hours), a short walk around the mine grounds and lunch at Bistro Posolone or another well-reviewed local spot. Return to Kraków for afternoon workshops or a visit to the Garden of Experiments at MIT.
Reverse option: morning at MIT (Garden of Experiments, planetarium) and an afternoon trip to Wieliczka - a good solution for families who prefer more active play early in the day and a calmer underground visit later.
If time is limited you can shorten one of the visits to the highlights - in Wieliczka focus on St. Kinga’s Chapel, and at MIT choose the Garden of Experiments and the “City. Tech-sensitivity” exhibition.
Near the mine: Bistro Posolone - comfortable and positively reviewed by visitors after the Tourist Route; it serves simple, tasty dishes ideal for a family lunch. In Wieliczka you can also look for local inns serving regional cuisine if you want to experience mining-era atmosphere.
In Kraków - if you plan an overnight stay or dinner after visiting MIT, consider well-rated places: Pod Aniołami (traditional Polish cuisine in an elegant setting), Starka (Kazimierz atmosphere and Polish flavors) and coffee spots like Massolit or Cafe Camelot for a short coffee and dessert break.
If you need accommodation choose hotels or guesthouses in central Kraków - then travel to MIT and the return from Wieliczka will be most convenient. Book in advance during the summer season.
Not booking tickets in advance - especially in summer this can mean long waits or no availability at the preferred time. Buy tickets online ahead or reserve a specific time.
Dressing inappropriately for the underground temperature - Wieliczka is cooler than the surface; bring a light sweater in summer. Comfortable shoes are essential - the route has stairs and uneven surfaces.
Trying to cram both attractions into one distant afternoon without a plan - better plan the order, times and breaks to avoid rushing and fatigue.
Wieliczka was mined for centuries so the underground 'architecture' is the result of many generations of miners - some sculptures and elements were created as artworks rendered in salt by local craftsmen.
The Museum of Engineering and Technology runs activities that can interest adults as well - exhibitions about urban technology show how engineering changed the daily life of Kraków’s residents. It’s a great complement to a typical tourist program.
If you want a souvenir from Wieliczka, choose local products made from salt or items related to the mine’s history - small handcrafted pieces are often more interesting keepsakes than mass-produced souvenirs.
How long does a Wieliczka visit take? Usually 2–3 hours for the Tourist Route, plus time for walking to the site, a break and optional visits to the graduation tower or surface museum.
Is Wieliczka suitable for children? Yes - there are route variants and programs adapted for younger visitors, but check age requirements for specific offers and themed routes.
Is the Museum of Engineering and Technology for adults? Absolutely - many exhibitions cover historical and technical topics that interest adults. Families will likely enjoy the interactive sections and the Garden of Experiments most.
Are there restrictions for people with limited mobility? Some routes in Wieliczka require stairs; visitors with limited mobility should contact the mine staff in advance. At MIT some exhibitions and spaces are accessible, but it’s best to confirm before your visit.
If this text helped you plan your trip, share it with family or friends - post it on social media or send the link to people planning a summer visit to Kraków.
If you prefer someone to lead the tour for you and your group, consider booking services with private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz - contact details and offer information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Together we will prepare a classy plan tailored to your needs and pace.
Good luck with your planning and see you in Kraków and Wieliczka!
Train connections from Kraków Główny to Wieliczka Rynek Kopalnia take around 20-30 minutes; check current timetables when planning. If you travel by car, allow extra time for parking and walking to the mine entrance.
Bring a small daypack with water, a camera and any necessary medications. Mobile reception can be limited underground, so coordinate meeting points in advance if touring in a group.
If you plan to attend workshops or planetarium shows at MIT, reserve spots early - these activities often have limited places during the holidays.
Book mine tickets and MIT workshops in advance.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light layer for Wieliczka.
Plan meal times - lunch near Wieliczka or dinner in Kraków depending on your schedule.
Confirm accessibility needs directly with Wieliczka or MIT if required.
